Summer Running

Happy first day of summer, everyone!

Speaking of which, I have a confession to make. I kind of, sort of, don’t really like running in the summer.

There. I said it.

Last year, I began my Princess Half training towards the end of the summer, so while I had my fair share of long, sweaty runs, I was really ramping up my training in the fall. This year, since the Dumbo Double Dare is in California…in August…I figure I’d better get used to the hot weather!

Still, I’m having the hardest time “pushing it” on my training runs when I feel so drained. I’m doing everything I can to stay hydrated and fuel properly, and yet I pretty much dissolve into a sweaty, cranky mess by, say, mile 2. My energy just isn’t there.

Do I enjoy the abundant sunshine and longer days (i.e. more available hours to squeeze in my run)? YES! But why can’t I seem to make my body cooperate in the higher temperatures? I’ve never seriously trained for anything in the summer before, so maybe I just need to give myself more time to adjust (please, please tell me that’s the case)!

How fake does this smile look? SUPER HOT DAY!

How fake does this smile look? SUPER HOT DAY!

When I go out for a run these days, I find myself phoning it in a little bit. I’m taking more walk breaks than usual, and I’m resting on my “comfortable” pace. I know, I know, it’s probably OK to scale back your speed a little bit when the temperature soars, but I can’t help but admit that I’m just not enjoying my runs as much as I do in, say, the spring and fall. Or, heck, even the winter — I kind of enjoyed layering up and navigating the mounds of snow and patches of ice everywhere. It kept things exciting, if nothing else!

I have a few races coming up — the annual Firecracker 4-miler on July 4, which is kind of a meaningful race for me (if you care to find out why, here’s last year’s post!), as well as the Downtown Westfield 5k and Pizza Extravaganza towards the end of next month. Which, let’s face it, I run for the FOOD. Post-race pizza party? Like I’m really going to miss out on that.

I’m definitely trying to keep my eye on the prize — DUMBO! — but I’m hesitant to register for other races this summer because, to be honest, I don’t really want to. I just don’t enjoy racing in 75+ degree temperatures. Does that make me a “bad” runner? Am I just being a whiny baby right now?

In other news…I officially lost my first full toenail (second toe, right foot)! I will spare you the visual, as much as I’m tempted to take a picture of it! No more cute pedicure for me, I guess.

But…is it wrong that I’m kind of feeling proud right now?

Is anyone else struggling with running in the heat/humidity? Who has warm-weather running tips for me?!

Comments

  1. Ugh, I feel your pain, sista. There is a reason no major races are held in the summer! It can be rough and your body will adjust. I read it takes about 2 weeks to adjust and during that time, do not worry about your pace. You just won’t hit paces/times you want but you are still getting the fitness training in. Water on all runs, run in the morning/evening, and keep your expectations low. Be proud of even the two miles runs you get in and hang in there!

    • Thanks, Amy! This definitely makes me feel better. I’m definitely struggling to find my usual pace, so it’s good to know that there’s still some benefit, anyway! Always appreciate your wisdom! And, hopefully, I’ll just suck it up and get used to it in a few more weeks. :)

  2. I bolt inside during the summers here in Texas. I go crazy on the treadmill, but I can’t stand the heat at any point during the day. Some people get up wicked early to get their run in before the sun is up, but I can’t do that. I like my sleep.

  3. I completely know what you mean. My run on Tuesday was in 88 degree weather with a feels like temp of 99. Back in April when it started getting really hot out I made a pact with myself: complete all of your runs outdoors for a full month and you can buy a new Garmin. Doing all of my runs outdoors helped me adapt to the heat and by the end of the month I was much more comfortable with it (though it’s never exactly a party, haha).

    I never push myself outdoors when its hot out either because … heat exhaustion, dehydration, etc. I have been thinking though that I’ll start doing one speed training run indoors and do the rest of my running outdoors.

    Even though it’s still really hot out right before sunset, the heat/humidity doesn’t really bother me anymore. The only time I find running outdoors to be truly a nightmare is when I stupidly go in the middle of the afternoon when the sun is beating down on me.

    • Hey, Kristina! It seems I’m making a similar mistake…I do tend to have to get my runs in during the afternoon. Probably not the best idea! I LOVE the deal you made with yourself…such a great incentive! Maybe I’ll have to follow suit. Hmm…what do I want…? ;)

  4. I’m completely the opposite. I love running in Summer but it’s Winter which is hard! My ears get sore and it’s a struggle to get out of bed! It’s not like we have such cold Winters in South Africa, but still!

  5. I feel ya. It’s dang hot out there and I haven’t been giving it my all… or much of anything lately. I’m going to have to suck it up soon though b/c I start training for my first half NEXT WEEK!

  6. Summer running can be totally dreadful! I do my best to get up and go as early as possible, but the humidity kicks my butt! I’d say skip the extra races over the summer if you’re not going to really enjoy them, probably not worth it, I don’t really do races over the summer because I know I’m not going to do all that great anyways, I just focus on training for fall races.

    • So good to know I’m not the only one! I hear other runners talking about their upcoming races this summer, and I’m just not feeling it. I think I’ll follow you and just focus on fall races! And I know I definitely need to start getting out there earlier…I hate the humidity, too!

  7. Lawyer Mommy says:

    I’m so happy to hear that it’s not just me! The heat has really been taking it out of me, and I’ve been very inconsistent in my training and feeling so discouraged that my runs have been so slow. I’m signed up for my second half (my first half was the Princess this year just like you!) in September, so I have to train. The heat is making it really hard. I love summer but I have to say running in winter is so much better.

    • It’s DEFINITELY not just you! It’s rough out there. Honestly, I’m just trying to focus on listening to my body when it comes to my pace…if I’m not feeling quite “right,” I’ll just do what I can. That’s so exciting, congrats on the Princess Half — it was the PERFECT first half marathon experience, wasn’t it? I’m training for Dumbo in Disneyland, and my goal is just to FINISH…I’m not sure I’ll ever train for a “serious” race over the summer, it’s just not enjoyable at all!

Mentioned Elsewhere:

  1. [...] my mind around the idea of training for a marathon in the summer. Have I whined enough yet about how much I loathe running in the summer? Plus, I don’t want to steal any thunder away from Dumbo and my epic first trip to [...]

  2. [...] this particular challenge, I’m not looking to put in any hardcore training for this one. I HATE running in the summer, so I’ll get my long runs in and a shorter weekly run or two, and just focus on having fun [...]

  3. [...] my training is beginning in the summer. And as many of you know, this is the time of year when I turn into a whiny, miserable mess when it comes…. I HATE logging miles in the heat, and there’s just not a whole heck of a lot I can do to [...]

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